Indonesian Youth Day: Young Women Envision Future Leadership Roles

Sixteen young Indonesian women gained firsthand experience with leadership through the "CEO for a Day Indonesia: Women Shaping Tomorrow" program. This initiative, a joint effort by the United Nations in Indonesia, AmCham Indonesia Women Network, and UN Global Compact Network Indonesia, culminated in a leadership forum that also marked International Youth Day.

The program aimed to celebrate the participants' journey and reinforce the commitment of the UN, businesses, and networks to foster greater female leadership. This effort is crucial given the persistent challenges in women's representation in strategic and decision-making positions across various sectors. Young women need access to experience, mentorship, networks, and supportive environments to build self-assurance and leadership capabilities.

Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, emphasized that empowering young people, especially women, is vital for promoting inclusivity, equality, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "A leader's journey always begins with a process," she stated. "Through the opportunity to learn directly from women leaders, young generations are expected to gain perspectives and experiences that help them create positive change for society."

Mentors like Elim Sritaba, Vice Chairwoman for Sustainability Governance, viewed the program as a mutual learning experience. She highlighted the importance of supportive mentors and environments for women pursuing their ambitions. "When we step out of our comfort zone, we often ask, 'Am I capable?' At that moment, we need a support system that assures us, 'You can do it,'" Elim said. She shared her career experiences, including overcoming challenges and building self-belief, noting that mentoring is not a one-way street. "I also learn how young people think today," she added. "So for me, age doesn't matter."